Morocco’s snowfall boosts water hopes amid ongoing drought

Snow covered about 54,084 square kilometers of Morocco as of Dec. 17, mainly across mountainous regions, according to data released by the country’s meteorological authorities.

The snow blanket includes large parts of the High Atlas, Middle Atlas and Rif mountains, as well as several high-altitude provinces known for their rugged terrain. The General Directorate of Meteorology said the extensive coverage reflects recent cold air masses and significant snowfall recorded across the kingdom in recent weeks.

Moroccan climate and sustainable development experts said the snow accumulation represents a substantial water reserve, particularly for a country grappling with prolonged drought, declining rainfall and increasing climate variability.

They said the snowpack is expected to provide critical water resources for the High Atlas, Anti-Atlas and Rif regions in the coming weeks and months, contributing to groundwater recharge and raising levels in small and medium-sized dams.

Mohamed Saïd Karrakchou, a climatology professor at Hassan II University in Casablanca, said snow has historically played a central role in Morocco’s water system.

“Snow acts as a natural water reservoir,” he said, noting that it supplies water to multiple regions as temperatures rise and melting begins. He added that while the surface area covered by snow is promising, estimating snow density would be necessary to assess the total volume of stored water.

Karrakchou said areas east of the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti-Atlas are expected to benefit most, along with agricultural regions such as Marrakech’s Haouz plain, Beni Mellal, Abda and Rehamna. Oasis zones and nearby dams could also see gains, he added.

Environmental and sustainable development expert Fouad Zahrani described the snow coverage as “a significant figure that should not be underestimated,” calling it a temporary but vital water reserve.

He said snow accumulates during winter and melts gradually in spring, allowing water to flow into rivers and dams while also seeping into the ground to replenish aquifers.

“The slow melting process enables better groundwater recharge compared to rapid surface runoff, which often leads to water loss,” Zahrani said.

However, he cautioned that snow alone would not be enough to resolve Morocco’s water shortages, stressing the need for sustained rainfall to replenish major dams used for irrigation and drinking water supply.